Brasília moves to shield domestic industry from price undercutting as imports from China face scrutiny.

The Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MDIC) has formally launched an anti-dumping investigation targeting imports of refractory products from China, marking a significant step in protecting the country’s domestic refractory manufacturing base.

According to Circular No. 75/2025, issued on September 29, the probe covers a broad range of basic and non-basic refractory products, including those classified under HS codes 6815.91.10, 6815.91.90, 6815.99.19 and related items. The inquiry was initiated following a petition filed earlier this year by Brazil’s association of refractory producers, which provided evidence of price dumping and material injury to local manufacturers.

The investigation period spans October 2023 – September 2024 for the dumping analysis and October 2019 – September 2024 for the injury assessment. Officials from MDIC’s Secretariat of Foreign Trade (SECEX) noted that the complaint met the legal criteria established under WTO anti-dumping rules, allowing a full-scale examination of Chinese export practices.

Local industry seeks fair competition

Brazil’s refractory producers—key suppliers to the nation’s steel, cement, glass, and non-ferrous sectors—have voiced growing concern over Chinese products entering the market at below-cost prices. Industry sources told FOBBERG Media that the competitive gap has widened over the past two years, eroding margins and threatening investment in domestic production lines.

The investigation is part of a broader regional trend toward trade defense actions in heavy-industry inputs. In recent months, Brazil has also renewed duties on steel plates and ceramic tiles, signaling a stronger protectionist stance aimed at stabilizing industrial supply chains.

Global implications

China currently accounts for the majority of global refractory exports, supplying both shaped and unshaped products at highly competitive rates. Any potential duties or provisional deposits imposed during the Brazilian probe could redirect part of this trade flow toward other Latin American markets or even the U.S.

Meanwhile, Chinese exporters are expected to submit detailed cost and pricing data to contest the allegations. If the MDIC confirms dumping margins, permanent anti-dumping duties could be imposed, likely affecting prices and logistics for regional steel and glass producers.

Outlook

The case is closely watched by global suppliers and downstream users alike. A final decision from Brazil’s trade authorities is expected in mid-2026. Until then, importers may face higher compliance requirements, while local producers stand to gain a temporary reprieve from low-priced competition.